Effects of Panax Notoginseng Saponins Combined with Total Flavonoids from Epimedium on Decline in Testicular Reproductive Function of Natural Aging Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) combined with total flavonoids from epimedium (TFE) on testicular dysfunction in natural aging rats; To discuss its mechanism of action. Methods Thirty 18-month old male SD rats were randomly divided into natural aging group, PNS combined with TFE low and high dose groups, with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 2-month old rats were set as young control group. PNS combined with TFE low and high dose groups were given gastric gavage of 10 mg/kg PNS combined with 10 mg/kg TFE, and 20 mg/kg PNS combined with 20 mg/kg TFE, respectively. Rats in young control group and natural aging group were given saline for 6 d each week, lasting for 4 months. Then, rats were sacrificed, and the testes were obtained to calculate the testicular weight and the testicular index. The testicular tissue morphology was observed by using HE staining. Testicular germ cell apoptosis was detected by using TUNEL method. The levels of Bcl-2, Bax and γ-H2 AX protein expression in testicular tissue were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with natural aging group, low and high dose of PNS combined with TFE significantly elevated the testicular weight and testicular index, improved the histological changes of testicular seminiferous tubule, significantly reduced number of apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in the testis, upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein in the testis, downregulated the expression of Bax and γ-H2 AX protein, and decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Conclusion PNS combined with TFE can improve testicular dysfunction in natural aging rats by inhibiting apoptosis and DNA damage of germ cells.